Red Bull Announces Significant 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting tenth in the championship. Arvid Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 standings.
The Austrian squad has revealed a major reshuffle for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up Frenchman Isack Hadjar to its A-team and handing British teenager Arvid Lindblad his debut F1 drive.
The young driver, who is of Swedish and Indian heritage, is set to become team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the sister squad VCARB.
These changes sees Japanese driver Yuki Tsunoda losing his seat following a five-year stint.
The New British Hope
Arvid Lindblad drove FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been tagged as a rising talent by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a senior Red Bull figure previously said that Lindblad "appears very talented", praising his "natural quickness".
Red Bull has had a plan for some time to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, including appearances in Grand Prix practice at the British and Mexican races.
The rookie said it was a "huge honour", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's plenty to absorb, but I'm prepared to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I am incredibly excited to get started."
Lindblad has taken two races in F2 so far this season and is P6 in the standings ahead of the final round in Abu Dhabi.
A Major Opportunity for Hadjar
The French driver enjoys his maiden top-three finish in F1, achieved at the Zandvoort race this season.
The Frenchman's debut season started in difficult fashion when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix. However, since then, he has been one of the most impressive rookies of the year.
He featured an remarkable podium finish at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal said: "Hadjar has displayed impressive growth and demonstrated to be a fast adapter. Most importantly, he has the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe he can thrive alongside Max."
The promoted driver called it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "ready".
Lawson Retains His Seat
To partner Lindblad at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have chosen Lawson instead of Tsunoda.
The New Zealander started 2025 with the senior squad but was moved back after just two races. He has settled back in at Racing Bulls with some strong performances, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
The Japanese driver, in contrast, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a sixth place, and he has scored a small fraction of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves mean that there remains no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will remain in F2 next season.